The famous Macy’s 4th of July fireworks will be celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. The display will begin around 9 pm (after dark) on the East River, making them the most visible from Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan. Even though fireworks will be displayed over the East River, residents of the Bronx, Staten Island and Jersey City shouldn’t be alarmed, as they will still have access to local Independence Day celebrations. So if you’re staying in or around New York City this July 4th, have no fear. There are still plenty of ways to get a clear view of the sky.

1. Manhattan

The Festival of Independence at the South Street Seaport. Image via AMNY

There are plenty of locations in Manhattan to see the fireworks that require payment, such as the rooftop of 230 Fifth or the Watermark Bar at South Street Seaport. But if you don’t want to spend too much, there are a few free locations.

Lower Manhattan’s East River Park will be open on the evening of the July 4th, with of course, no admission fees. Even though it is technically not an official viewing event, there will likely be many people in attendance here.

Parts of the South Street Seaport will also offer free viewing with all day concerts. Independent artists will perform on Fulton Street with family entertainment on Peck Slip. The seaport is always a popular destination, so be sure to plan ahead for large crowds.

Finally, along the FDR Drive between Houston Street and Midtown East is an official viewing site that will provide excellent angles of the fireworks show. There are entrances on Houston, 23rd, 34th and 42nd streets. The highway will become available at about 7:00 pm.